The Best Stargazing Spots in Australia for a Magical Night

While we all know and love the city, there’s something quite magical about escaping to regional landscapes for a night to take in the stars. Whether you go camping, stay in a cute Airbnb or are just going for a late-night drive, there are beautiful spots in each state that are perfect for stargazing.

Planning a low-budget date night, road trip or simply wanting to go and see the stars while enjoying some self-reflecting? We’ve rounded up the top stargazing spots in Australia so you can enjoy the night sky in all of its beauty.

Blue Mountains

Just under an hour drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains gives you spectacular views of the night sky thanks to its minimal light pollution. Head down to Wentworth Falls or to the top of the Blue Mountains – the choice is yours. You can go about your stargazing trip solo, or book a tour with Blue Mountain Stargazing if you want to leave all the organising up to the experts, and learn a thing or two along the way about all of the constellations in the night sky.

Broken Hill

Broken Hill is one of Australia’s most famous outback towns, thanks to Mad Max. However, it’s also renowned for its stunning night skies. Located in far western New South Wales, Broken Hill offers minimal light pollution, making it an ideal spot for stargazing. The vast, open landscapes provide unobstructed views of the Milky Way, and the clear, dry air enhances visibility. It is quite the drive, so if you don’t have a car handy

Coonabarabran

Coonabarabran is home to Australia’s first ‘Dark Sky Park,’ making it one of the best spots to go stargazing in New South Wales. If you open Google Maps and take one look at the hefty drive, you may be put off, but trust us when we say it’s worth every minute of the road trip. The lack of light pollution means the stars and galaxy is on full display, even to the naked eye. Make a weekend out of it and go camping or find some cosy nearby accommodation so that you can take in the Milky Way and appreciate it in all its glory.

Howqua Hill

One hour out from Mansfield, Howqua Hill is a hidden gem when it comes to stargazing spots in Victoria. Rich with history, the river here used to be teeming with gold miners back in the gold rush days. And now, while there may be no actual gold, it’s a gold mine when it comes to stargazing. We recommend camping at Sheepyard Flat, which has plenty of clearings that make staring into the night sky easy peasy.

Grampians National Park

What better place to go stargazing than at one of Victoria’s most popular – and vast – national parks? Grampians National Park has multiple spots that are perfect for stargazing, including Cato Lake Park, Mount Arapiles, Reed Lookout and Boroka Lookout. And with little light pollution, your view of the stars won’t be obstructed. Make sure you rug up, below the temperature drops as soon as the sun sets.

Philip Island

Don yourself in a generous number of layers before heading down to the beach at Philip Island with a hot chocolate in hand to watch the stars light up the night sky. This small island town is perfect for stargazing once you head away from the streetlights and onto the sandy shores. Bring a towel to sit on and a blanket for wrap you and your boo in, then get ready to have some deep and meaningful chats as you stare up at the sky.

The Granite Belt

The Granite Belt, located in the Great Dividing Range in the Darling Downs region of Queensland and the New England region of New South Wales, is a great spot for stargazing in Australia due to its high elevation, clear skies, and minimal light pollution. Unobstructed by urban lights, you have clear view of the celestial bodies above. Whether you have a telescope, binoculars or are just viewing it with the naked eye, the views from this spot are something to behold.

Winton Dark Sky Sanctuary

The Dark Sky Sanctuary in Winton is an exceptional location for stargazing, renowned for its near-perfect conditions for observing the night sky. This sanctuary is one of the few places globally recognized for its commitment to preserving dark skies, offering an unparalleled view of celestial wonders. A 15-hour drive from Brisbane, this is definitely a road trip destination – but the view of the night sky once the sun goes down makes the trek worth it. Its remote location ensures minimal light pollution, making it a haven for astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts.

River Murray Dark Sky Reserve

Dark Sky Reserves are ultimately the best location for stargazing, guaranteeing the darkest and clearest skies around for an awe-inspiring look into the cosmos. The River Murray Dark Sky Reserve is Australia’s first ever Dark Sky Reserve, and is only a 90 minute drive from Adelaide – so you don’t have to worry about finding accommodation or camping overnight if you don’t want to. Thanks to the area’s minimal light pollution, the stars in the night sky can be seen clearly.

Burra

Nestled between the rolling vineyards of Clare Valley and the red soil of the outback lies a vibrant pastoral centre bound by its mining past. Just two hours from Adelaide, Burra is the perfect day trip for history buffs, brimming with unique attractions, picturesque landscapes, and regional charm. Book yourself a cute, romantic Airbnb and cosy up outside with your boo for a stargazing date.

Pinnacles Dessert

Spanning over 17,000 hectares in the Nambung National Park, a four-kilometre trail weaves through the Pinnacles Desert among thousands of limestone mounds in varying shapes and sizes. For a spectacular show, visit at dawn or dusk as the shifting sand and light cast eerie shadows over the peaks and valleys among basking kangaroos, emus and lizards. Then, once the sun sets, watch in awe as the stars light up the night sky. Entry is $15 per car and visitors are free to explore on foot on the dedicated paths.

Eighty Mile Beach

It may be in the middle of nowhere, but that’s what makes stargazing at Eighty Mile Beach so much more special. Situated between Port Hedland and Broome, Eighty Mile Beach’s little light pollution makes it the perfect spot to stop and stargaze when you’re travelling up or down the west coast. Bring some blankets and lay down on the sand as you stare up at the stars.

Cradle Mountain

Located within St Clair National Park, Cradle Mountain is an ideal destination for stargazing, offering some of the darkest skies in Tasmania. The area's remote location, combined with its high altitude and clean, unpolluted air, creates ideal conditions for observing the night sky. Far from the light pollution of Launceston (just over a two-hour drive away), stargazers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Milky Way, constellations, and various celestial events.

Cockle Creek

If you want to try your luck at seeing the Aurora Australis as well as beautiful views of the stars, you’ll need to head as far south as you can get. In Tasmania, that’s Cockle Creek, a two-hour drive south of Tasmania’s capital city. Set up your tent at the campgrounds and wait for nightfall. Once the sun has gone down, keep your eyes peeled for shooting stars, constellations, and the aurora.

Got your explorer hat on and want to discover more scenic and fun things to do around Australia? Check out the best travel sales & deals happening right now, or take a look at the best outdoor bath accommodation in Australia.